Northeast Regional Medical Center Files Certificate of Need for Linear Accelerator

Another medical center in Kirksville, Missouri is set to provide improved cancer treatment to the city. Northeast Regional Medical Center recently announced that they have filed for a Certificate of Need for a linear accelerator which is mainly used in radiation oncology. The Missouri Health Facilities Review Committee is set to make a decision during their August meeting. This comes after Northeast Regional Medical Center stopped offering radiation oncology in the summer of 2022, leaving residents to seek other medical options.

Radiation Oncology for Cancer Treatment

Radiation oncology is a type of cancer treatment that uses high energy radiation to destroy cancer cells. It is commonly used to treat various types of cancer including breast cancer, prostate cancer, and lung cancer. This type of treatment is usually used alongside other treatments such as chemotherapy and surgery.

Linear Accelerator

A linear accelerator is a type of medical device that generates high-energy radiation that can be used to treat cancer. It is basically a high-tech X-ray machine that delivers highly concentrated doses of radiation to cancer cells. The linear accelerator is an essential tool in modern radiation oncology as it allows doctors to treat tumors with higher precision and accuracy, reducing damage to healthy tissues.

The Impact of the new Linear Accelerator

With the introduction of the new linear accelerator, Northeast Regional Medical Center will be able to provide better cancer treatment to patients in Kirksville. Patients seeking radiation oncology services will no longer have to travel to other cities, alleviating the financial and emotional stresses that come with traveling for treatment.

Hannibal Regional Healthcare System also enters the competition

The Hannibal Regional Healthcare System (HRHS) is also in the race to provide radiation oncology care to Kirksville residents with their new health facility that is planned to be built on East Illinois Street. HRHS CEO Todd Ahrens informed KTVO that they have filed a Letter of Intent with The Missouri Health Facilities Review Committee. The hospital system plans on filing a full application in the coming weeks.

Conclusion

The introduction of new technology in Northeast Regional Medical Center will improve cancer care in Kirksville. In addition, Hannibal Regional Healthcare System’s plan to provide radiation oncology care will increase competition and further improve treatment options for patients in need. The Missouri Health Facilities Review Committee decision in August will determine which medical center will provide radiation oncology care to residents in the future.

Originally Post From https://ktvo.com/news/local/more-cancer-treatment-possibly-coming-to-kirksville

Possibility of More Cancer Treatment in Kirksville Excites Community